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We also discussed that
fish oils have rich
amounts of EPA and DHA
(omega-3 fatty acids)
and how both of these substances
contribute to brain and nerve
health and also the role they
play in preventing
inflammation and
chronic diseases as diabetes,
high blood pressure, heart
problems, liver malfunction,
brain imbalances (that lead to
ADD, depression, anxiety and
other brain disorders), and
muscle atrophy.
While EPA and DHA are
produced by the body via a
complicated process involving
ALA (or LNA- alpha linolenic
acid - as found in
Flax seed oil), they get
depleted because of a number of
factors (viral and bacterial
attacks, poor diet, etc). This
in turn determines how strong
our immune system is.
To make up for low levels of
EPA and DHA, the most
recommended course of action is
to regularly take
fish oil supplements. The
medical research community has
established that
fish oil
has high
levels of EPA and DHA,
especially the type of fish oil
that is made from sardines,
anchovies and mackerel.
All fish contain mercury, due
to pollution, and we must
consume fish oil to assure
adequate supplies of EPA and
DHA. So, what do we do? We must
remove the mercury and other
harmful toxins found in fish
oil.
Which brings us now to the
question: how are fish oil
supplements manufactured? This
is where molecular
distillation comes in.
Molecular Distillation of
Fish Oil
Molecular
distillation is a
purification process used
in manufacturing high quality
fish oil supplements. This
purification method involves
concentrating the omega-3
fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
in the oil to remove
common contaminants such as
PCBs, metals, toxins and other
harmful agents found in
the rivers and lakes that fish
live in.
What steps are carried out
during molecular distillation?
First, the natural (or raw)
fish oil is transformed into an
ethyl ester. Ethyl ester (also
known as ethyl acetate) is a
colorless liquid with a slightly
sweet smell.
Second, a vacuum system is
employed for the purposes of
removing contaminants from the
ethyl ester fatty acids. This
vacuum system ensures that
temperatures are low, so
as not to harm the fish oil.
Third, molecular weights are
used to isolate the ethyl ester
from the contaminants. This
ensures that the contaminants do
not attach themselves to the
fatty acids and are instead
eliminated.
Fourth, the fatty acids are
processed into a finished
product with little or no
contaminants left. In fact, not
only is the fish oil now pure,
but the concentration of EPA and
DHA has been eleveated.
Since molecularly distilled
fish oil is an expensive
process, not all manufacturers
use this technique. Make sure
the label of your
fish oil supplement clearly
states Molecularly
Distilled.
When fish oil goes through
molecular distillation, there
are two distinct benefits:
Given that the vaccum system
is used, the oils are subject to
low temperatures which prevent
damage caused by oxidation. The
benefit, therefore, is that the
fish oil remains stable.
The second advantage is
purity. Since
the contaminants are separated
from the fish oil, there is no
adulteration or contamination.
The only disadvantage
we can think of is the cost.
Molecular distillation is
expensive. But when you
factor in the efficient
elimination of harmful
contaminants like PCBs and
mercury, you are assured of
product integrity. There is no
way a cheap fish oil supplement
can be molecularly distilled.
There is a less costly way to
manufacture fish oil
supplements - oil refining
- but the results are not that
superior.
You now probably know more
than many experts as to why a
molecularly distilled
fish oil supplement is
so important for your health.
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